The tragedy caused by floods in Rio Grande do Sul became global headlines this weekend, reports the Metrópoles portal. Internationally renowned media outlets, from the United States to Qatar, reported the devastation and isolation faced by the affected cities. The natural disaster has already caused 75 deaths, left 155 injured and more than 88 thousand people displaced since last Monday 29.
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O The New York Times, from the United States, emphasized the dramatic scenario of the affected locations, where intense rains caused rivers to overflow. Cities were flooded and bridges were destroyed, situations that blocked roads and caused landslides.
Particularly in Canudos do Vale, said the North American newspaper, the situation is calamitous, with the city completely isolated, without access to electricity or communication. In Candelária, residents wait for rescue on the roofs of their flooded homes.
Read more: “Tragedy in Rio Grande do Sul: 860 thousand properties without water and 350 thousand without electricity”
O Washington Post highlighted that this is the fourth occurrence of devastating floods in less than a year, with previous episodes in July, September and November 2023, which together resulted in a total of 75 fatalities. O The Guardian, from the United Kingdom, referred to the disaster as the “worst floods in 80 years” in Brazil. And it complemented the coverage with a video showing the extent of the flooding seen from the air.
Impact on infrastructure and population
The BBC reported that around half a million residents are without electricity and drinking water, with forecasts of more rain. The situation affects more than half of the state’s 497 cities, with many roads and bridges destroyed. The Spanish newspaper El País, continues Metrópoles, shared images of rescues of residents, including elderly people, children and pets.
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O Clarin, from Argentina, described the scenario as “bleak” in southern Brazil and highlighted Rio Grande do Sul as the most impacted region. He recalled, however, that the neighboring state of Santa Catarina is also beginning to feel the effects of the rains.
Reuters highlighted the damage with a selection of 17 photos. It showed cars covered in mud up to their roofs. Al Jazeera, from Qatar, warned that floods and landslides caused by torrential rains continue to devastate southern Brazil, with the situation potentially worsening even further.
Tags: Floods gain international repercussions
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